Liquid rocket engine assemblies and related methods

ABSTRACT

A liquid rocket engine assembly comprising a thrust chamber, a nozzle, and a joint structure. The joint structure attaches the thrust chamber and the nozzle and comprises at least one seal element and an attachment ring interposed between the thrust chamber and the nozzle. Fasteners extend between the nozzle and the thrust chamber through the at least one seal element and the attachment ring. Materials of the thrust chamber and of the nozzle comprise different coefficients of thermal expansion. A method of forming a liquid rocket engine assembly is also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/351,239, filed Nov. 14, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,028,802, issuedJun. 8, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein inits entirety by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to liquid rocket engineassemblies, and to methods of forming the liquid rocket engineassemblies. More particularly, embodiments of the disclosure relate toliquid rocket engine assemblies including joint structures connectingthrust chambers to nozzles, and to related methods.

BACKGROUND

Liquid rocket engine assemblies utilize liquids, such as liquid hydrogenor liquid oxygen, as one or more of propellant sources, fuel sources,and oxidizer sources. The liquid rocket engine assemblies can be quicklyfueled and refueled, and the relatively high density of liquids aspropellant sources can facilitate the use of relatively smaller storagevessels. Conventional liquid rocket engine assemblies include a fueltank, an oxidizer tank, pumps, a thrust chamber, and a nozzle. The fueland oxidizer are pumped into the thrust chamber and combusted, producinghigh temperature and high pressure exhaust gases. The hot gases passthrough the nozzle, accelerating the flow and producing sufficientthrust to propel a vehicle including the liquid rocket engine assembly.

Various components of the liquid rocket engine assemblies are made fromdifferent materials, which expand and contract at different rates whenexposed to the high temperatures and high pressures during use andoperation of the liquid rocket engine assemblies. The nozzle isconventionally made from a carbon-carbon (C—C) composite material, whilethe thrust chamber is made from metal, such as copper. The nozzle andthrust chamber are attached to one another by fasteners, such as metalfasteners. Since the nozzle, thrust chamber, and fasteners are made fromdifferent materials having markedly different coefficients of thermalexpansion (CTE), the liquid rocket engine assembly may experience a lossin performance and integrity during its use and operation, particularlyif the engine is cycled on and off repeatedly, creating wide temperatureswings. The metal components shrink more than the carbon-carboncomponents since carbon-carbon has a lower CTE. To reduce this problem,various methods of cooling the components have been investigated. Forinstance, the thrust chamber and nozzle conventionally include coolingsystems, such as regenerative cooling systems, that circulate theliquids (e.g., the liquid hydrogen or liquid oxygen) or water through ajacket or tubes surrounding the thrust chamber and nozzle. The heatedliquids are then transported to the thrust chamber for combustion. Tocirculate the fuel and/or oxidizer for cooling purposes, the liquidrocket engine assemblies include various valves and tubing, which addscomplexity and cost to the design.

It would, therefore, be desirable to achieve a more cost effective yetsecure manner for attaching the nozzle and the thrust chamber toaccommodate thermal expansion differences between adjacent, differentmaterials and reduce, if not eliminate, the need for active cooling ofliquid rocket engine assemblies. It is also desirable for gaps betweenthe nozzle and the thrust chamber to be sealed.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein include a liquid rocket engine assemblycomprising a thrust chamber, a nozzle, and a joint structure. The jointstructure attaches the thrust chamber and the nozzle and comprises atleast one seal element, an attachment ring, and fasteners. Theattachment ring is interposed between the thrust chamber and the nozzleand the fasteners extend between the thrust chamber and the nozzlethrough the attachment ring and the at least one seal element. Materialsof the thrust chamber and of the nozzle comprise different coefficientsof thermal expansion.

In additional embodiments, a method of forming a liquid rocket engineassembly is disclosed. The method comprises placing a joint structurecomprising at least one seal element and an attachment ring between anozzle and a thrust chamber. Fasteners are inserted through mutuallyaligned holes in the joint structure, the nozzle, and the thrust chamberand tightened in threaded bores of the thrust chamber. Materials of thethrust chamber and of the nozzle comprise different coefficients ofthermal expansion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic of a seal element of a joint structurein a liquid rocket engine assembly according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic of a segment of an attachment ring ofthe joint structure in the liquid rocket engine assembly according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic of an insulation ring of the jointstructure in the liquid rocket engine assembly according to anembodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic of the joint structure in the liquidrocket engine assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic of the joint structure in the liquidrocket engine assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic of the joint structure in the liquidrocket engine assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic of the joint structure in the liquidrocket engine assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic of the joint structure in the liquidrocket engine assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic of the joint structure in the liquidrocket engine assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic of the joint structure in the liquidrocket engine assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A joint structure for attaching (e.g., securing) a nozzle (e.g., an exitcone) and a thrust chamber of a liquid rocket engine assembly isdisclosed. The nozzle and the thrust chamber are formed from materialshaving different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE). The jointstructure may be configured to accommodate the different rates ofexpansion or contraction of the materials of the nozzle and thrustchamber, reducing the potential for failure of the liquid rocket engineassembly. Despite the extreme temperature and pressure conditions, andvariations, to which the liquid rocket engine assembly is exposed, thejoint structure may secure the nozzle to the thrust chamber, may providea seal between the nozzle and thrust chamber, and may insulatecomponents of the liquid rocket engine assembly from the extremetemperatures and pressures. By appropriately selecting materials andconfigurations of the joint structure, separate cooling of the nozzle isnot needed. The design of the liquid rocket engine assembly issimplified with such a joint structure, resulting in lower fabricationcosts and shorter manufacturing times while providing better performanceof the rocket engine assembly in operation. The configuration of thejoint structure may be tailored specifically to the particularapplication for the liquid rocket engine assembly. For instance, factorssuch as operation temperature, operation pressure, operation time (e.g.,burn time), possibility of using components repeatedly, and cost mayaffect the configuration of the joint structure. Oxidation protection ofthe nozzle is also disclosed.

The following description provides specific details, such as sizes,shapes, material compositions, and orientations in order to provide athorough description of embodiments of the disclosure. However, a personof ordinary skill in the art would understand that the embodiments ofthe disclosure may be practiced without necessarily employing thesespecific details. Embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced inconjunction with conventional fabrication techniques employed in theindustry. In addition, the description provided below does not form acomplete process flow for manufacturing a liquid rocket engine assembly.Only those process acts and structures necessary to understand theembodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below. Additionalacts to form a complete liquid rocket engine assembly from thestructures described herein may be performed by conventional fabricationand assembly processes.

Drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes only, and arenot meant to be actual views of any particular component, structure, ordevice. Variations from the shapes depicted in the drawings as a result,for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, embodiments described herein are not to be construed asbeing limited to the particular shapes or regions as illustrated, butinclude deviations in shapes that result, for example, frommanufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described asbox-shaped may have rough and/or nonlinear features, and a regionillustrated or described as round may include some rough and/or linearfeatures. Moreover, sharp angles that are illustrated may be rounded,and vice versa. Thus, the regions illustrated in the figures areschematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate theprecise shape of a region and do not limit the scope of the presentclaims. The drawings are not necessarily to scale.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,”“characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive oropen-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements ormethod acts, but also include the more restrictive terms “consisting of”and “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof. Asused herein, the term “may” with respect to a material, structure,feature or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use inimplementation of an embodiment of the disclosure and such term is usedin preference to the more restrictive term “is” so as to avoid anyimplication that other, compatible materials, structures, features andmethods usable in combination therewith should or must be, excluded.

As used herein, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “bottom,” “above,” “over,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” “rear,”“left,” “right,” “forward,” “aft,” and the like, may be used for ease ofdescription to describe one element's or feature's relationship toanother element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Unlessotherwise specified, the spatially relative terms are intended toencompass different orientations of the materials in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if materials in thefigures are inverted, elements described as “over” or “above” or “on” or“on top of” other elements or features would then be oriented “below” or“beneath” or “under” or “on bottom of” the other elements or features.Thus, the term “over” can encompass both an orientation of above andbelow, depending on the context in which the term is used, which will beevident to one of ordinary skill in the art. The materials may beotherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees, inverted, flipped) and thespatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

As used herein, the terms “configured” and “configuration” refer to asize, shape, material composition, orientation, and arrangement of oneor more of at least one structure and at least one apparatusfacilitating operation of one or more of the structure and the apparatusin a predetermined way.

As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a givenparameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree thatone of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the givenparameter, property, or condition is met with a degree of variance, suchas within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example,depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that issubstantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least99.9% met.

As used herein, the term “about” in reference to a given parameter isinclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by thecontext (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated withmeasurement of the given parameter).

The joint structure of embodiments of the disclosure includes at leastone seal element 100, segments 500 of an attachment ring 105, and,optionally, an insulation ring 110, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 ,respectively. The joint structure 410 also includes fasteners 420 forattaching the nozzle 430 and the thrust chamber 440 by inserting thefasteners 420 through the joint structure 410 and a flange 450 (seeFIGS. 4-10 ) on the thrust chamber 440 and tightening the fasteners 420in a threaded bore 445 in the flange 450. The joint structure 410 mayalso, optionally, include support ring 460. While embodiments of thedisclosure may be described and illustrated herein as including a singlejoint structure 410, the liquid rocket engine assembly may includemultiple joint structures 410 for securely attaching the nozzle 430 andthe thrust chamber 440.

During use and operation, the nozzle 430, thrust chamber 440, jointstructure 410, and flange 450 may be exposed to extreme temperature andpressure conditions. The joint structure 410 may be configured towithstand the temperature and pressure conditions for the expected burntime of the liquid rocket engine assembly, such as at least about 10seconds, at least about 12 seconds, at least about 15 seconds, at leastabout 20 seconds, at least about 30 seconds, at least about 40 seconds,at least about 50 seconds, at least about 60 seconds, at least about 100seconds, at least about 200 seconds, at least about 300 seconds, or atleast about 600 seconds depending on the application for the liquidrocket engine assembly. Factors such as operation temperature, operationpressure, operation time (e.g., burn time), possibility of usingcomponents repeatedly, and cost may affect the configuration of thejoint structure 410. In some embodiments, the joint structure 410 isconfigured for a burn time of at least about 100 seconds, at least about200 seconds, or at least about 300 seconds.

Each of the seal element 100, the attachment ring 105, and theinsulation ring 110, if present, may be appropriately sized and shapedto correspond to the size and geometry of the ends of the nozzle 430 andthrust chamber 440 to be attached to one another. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the seal element 100, attachment ring 105, and insulation ring 110, ifpresent, may be annular or substantially annular in shape. The sealelement 100 and attachment ring 105 may have outer diameters D1, D1′that generally correspond to the outer diameters of the ends of thenozzle 430 and thrust chamber 440 to be attached to one another. Asshown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 , the inner diameters D2, D2′ of the sealelement 100 and attachment ring 105 may be substantially similar to oneanother and may correspond to the inner diameters of the ends of thenozzle 430 and thrust chamber 440. Alternatively, the inner diametersD2, D2′ of the seal element 100 and attachment ring 105 may be differentfrom one another, as shown in FIG. 7 . For example, the inner diameterD2 of the seal element 100 may be smaller than the inner diameter D2′ ofthe attachment ring 105. The insulation ring 110, if present, may havean outer diameter D1″ that generally corresponds to the outer diametersof the ends of the nozzle 430 and thrust chamber 440 to be attached toone another. The outer diameter D1″ of the insulation ring 110 may alsogenerally correspond to the outer diameters D1, D1′ of the seal element100 and attachment ring 105.

The inner diameter (not shown) of the insulation ring 110 in FIG. 5 maybe smaller than the inner diameters (not shown) of the seal element 100and attachment ring 105. Alternatively, the insulation ring 110 may havean outer diameter D1″ and an inner diameter D2″ that is smaller than therespective outer and inner diameters D1, D1′, D2, D2′ of the sealelement 100 and attachment ring 105, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 .

The seal element 100 (see FIG. 1 ) may have substantially flat (e.g.,planar) surfaces and a first (e.g., upper) surface 470 of the sealelement 100 may be disposed proximal to the thrust chamber 440 while asecond (e.g., lower), opposing surface 480 of the seal element 100 isdisposed proximal to the attachment ring 105. The seal element 100 maybe formed from a flexible material to seal gaps (e.g., splitlines)between the nozzle 430 and the thrust chamber 440 and may be resistantto the temperature and pressure conditions generated during use andoperation of the liquid rocket engine assembly. The seal element 100 mayalso be resistant to corrosive or otherwise reactive combustion gases orbyproducts formed during use and operation of the liquid rocket engineassembly. The seal element 100 may also protect the joint structure 410from damage resulting from compressive forces applied during attachmentof the nozzle 430 and during use and operation of the liquid rocketengine assembly. The seal element 100 may be formed to a thicknesssufficient to seal the gaps between the nozzle 430 and the thrustchamber 440, which thickness may range from about 0.010 inch (about0.254 mm) to about 0.100 inch (about 2.54 mm). In one embodiment, theseal element 100 has a thickness of about 0.050 inch (about 1.27 mm).The seal element 100 may be formed from a flexible graphite material,such as GRAFOIL® flexible graphite, which is commercially available fromGrafTech International Holdings Inc. (Independence, Ohio). The sealelement 100 may be formed into a desired shape by conventionaltechniques, such as machining, casting, etc., which are not described indetail herein. While embodiments herein may describe and illustrate theseal element 100 as a washer, the seal element 100 may be configured inanother shape capable of sealing the gaps between the nozzle 430 and thethrust chamber 440. The seal element 100 may include holes 490 aroundits outer circumference through which the fasteners 420 are inserted andtightened in threaded bores 445 in the flange 450 to attach the nozzle430 to the thrust chamber 440. The holes 490 may be appropriately sizedand configured to align with corresponding holes 540 in the attachmentring 105 and in the insulation ring 110, if present. While twenty-fourholes 490 are illustrated in FIG. 1 , the number of holes 490 may beincreased or decreased depending on the size, geometry and configurationof the joint structure 410 and flange 450.

The attachment ring 105 (see FIG. 2 ) may secure the joint structure 410to the nozzle 430 and thrust chamber 440 and may also reduce atemperature to which neighboring metal components of the liquid rocketengine assembly are subjected. As shown in FIG. 2 , the “C-shaped”segment 500 of the attachment ring 105 may include a ledge 510 proximalto an inner periphery thereof. The ledge 510 is sized and configured toaccept a portion of an annular protrusion 520 (see FIGS. 4-10 ) of thenozzle 430 thereon. While FIG. 2 illustrates a single segment 500 of theattachment ring 105, the attachment ring 105 includes two “C-shaped”segments 500 (i.e., split segments) for ease of assembly of the jointstructure 410 and the liquid rocket engine assembly. When innerdiameters of the attachment ring 105 are referred to herein, the innerdiameter refers to the distance between the ledge 510 of one segment 500and the ledge 510 of the second segment 500. The attachment ring 105 maycircumferentially surround a portion of the fasteners 420. Theattachment ring 105 may be formed at a thickness sufficient to thermallyinsulate metal components of the liquid rocket engine assembly, such asa thickness of from about 0.050 inch (about 1.27 mm) to about 0.500 inch(about 12.7 mm). By way of example only, the thickness of the attachmentring 105 may be sufficient to thermally insulate the fasteners 420. Forinstance, the fasteners 420 may be flush with aft surface 530 of theattachment ring 105 or may be recessed within the attachment ring 105.The attachment ring 105 may be formed of a metal material, such assteel, a carbon phenolic material, a silica phenolic material, ayttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) material, a carbon-carbon material, acarbon cloth phenolic material, or a carbon-carbon plus silicon carbidematerial. The attachment ring 105 may have a 30° ply angle, 15° plyangle, or 0° ply angle. The attachment ring 105 is formed into a desiredshape by conventional techniques, such as machining, casting, etc.,which are not described in detail herein. The attachment ring 105 mayinclude holes 540 around its outer circumference through which thefasteners 420 are inserted and tightened in threaded bores 445 in theflange 450 to secure the nozzle 430 and thrust chamber 440. The holes540 may be appropriately sized and configured to align withcorresponding holes 490, 560 in the seal element 100 and insulation ring110, if present. While twelve holes 540 are illustrated in FIG. 2 , thenumber of holes 540 may be increased or decreased depending on the size,geometry and configuration of the flange 450 and joint structure 410.

The attachment ring 105 may be disposed distal to the thrust chamber 440(i.e., proximal to the nozzle 430) and below the seal element 100 andthe insulation ring 110, if present, (see FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 9 ).Alternatively, the attachment ring 105 may be disposed distal to thethrust chamber 440 (i.e., proximal to the nozzle 430) and below the sealelement 100, and laterally adjacent to the insulation ring 110 (see FIG.7 ). Alternatively, the attachment ring 105 may be disposed distal tothe thrust chamber 440 (i.e., proximal to the nozzle 430) and below theseal element 100, and spaced apart from the insulation ring 110, such asby support ring 460 (see FIG. 10 ).

The material selected for the attachment ring 105 may affect the failurerate of the metal components of the liquid rocket engine assembly.Depending on the material selected, the liquid rocket engine assemblymay be tailored for operating for longer action times or for shorteraction times. By way of example only, if the carbon phenolic material orsilica phenolic material is used, the liquid rocket engine assembly maybe operated for up to about 240 seconds. If the carbon-carbon plussilicon carbide material is used, the liquid rocket engine assembly maybe operated for greater than about 600 seconds. If the attachment ring105 is formed of the YSZ material, any neighboring metal components,such as the fasteners 420, may be exposed to the desired operatingtemperatures and pressures and experience a reduced failure rate. Theliquid rocket engine assembly may, therefore, be used for longer amountsof time since the metal components are protected from failure due toheat exposure.

Depending on the application of the liquid rocket engine assembly, theattachment ring 105 may be cured or post-cured. For a liquid rocketengine assembly configured for a longer burn time, the attachment ring105 may be post-cured (e.g., heat-treated after curing) to minimizedecomposition of the material of the attachment ring 105. It has beenfound that the cured materials of the attachment ring 105 may producecombustible decomposition products. However, if the material of theattachment ring 105 is post-cured, such as being heated to a temperatureof about 300° F., about 400° F., or about 500° F., the production ofcombustible decomposition products may be reduced, which increases theburn time of the liquid rocket engine assembly.

The insulation ring 110 (see FIG. 3 ), if present, may be disposedbetween the seal element 100 and the attachment ring 105 (see FIG. 5 ),disposed between the attachment ring 105 and the nozzle 430 (see FIG. 7), or disposed axial to the nozzle 430 (see FIG. 10 ). The insulationring 110 may insulate metal components of the liquid rocket engineassembly by reducing an effective temperature to which the componentsare exposed. The insulation ring 110 may be formed of a carbon phenolicmaterial or a YSZ material into a desired shape by conventionaltechniques, such as machining, casting, etc., which are not described indetail herein. The insulation ring 110 may include angled surfaces 550(see FIG. 3 ) proximal to an inner periphery thereof. The angledsurfaces 550 of the insulation ring 110 seal with the second (e.g.,lower) surface 480 of the seal element 100 when the fasteners 420 aretightened. In one embodiment, the insulation ring 110 is formed of acarbon cloth phenolic. The insulation ring 110 may be formed at athickness sufficient to thermally insulate the metal components of theliquid rocket engine assembly, such as a thickness of from about 0.050inch (about 1.27 mm) to about 0.500 inch (about 12.7 mm). In oneembodiment, the insulation ring 110 is formed at a thickness of about0.100 inch (2.54 mm). In some embodiments, the inner and outer diametersof the insulation ring 110 may be less than the inner and outerdiameters of the seal element 100 and attachment ring 105 while in otherembodiments, the inner and outer diameters of the insulation ring 110may be substantially the same as the inner and outer diameters of theseal element 100 and attachment ring 105.

The insulation ring 110 may include holes 560 (see FIG. 3 ) around itscircumference to secure the nozzle 430 and the thrust chamber 440. Theholes 560 may be appropriately sized and configured to align withcorresponding holes 490 in the seal element 100 and holes 540 of theattachment ring 105. The fasteners 420 may be inserted through the holes560 and tightened in aligned, threaded bores 445 in the flange 450 tosecure the nozzle 430 and thrust chamber 440. However, in otherembodiments, the insulation ring 110 may be held in place by pressure onthe seal element 100 and attachment ring 105 exerted by tightening thefasteners 420.

The insulation ring 110 may be cured or post-cured depending on theintended application. For liquid rocket engine assemblies needing longerburn times (e.g., about 100 seconds or greater, about 200 seconds orgreater, about 300 seconds or greater, about 400 seconds or greater,about 500 seconds or greater, or about 600 seconds or greater), theinsulation ring 110 may be post-cured (e.g., heat treated after curing)to minimize decomposition of the material of the insulation ring 110.Without the heat treatment, the insulation ring 110 may decompose andproduce volatile and combustible gaseous byproducts. However, forapplications where shorter burn times (e.g., less than about 100seconds) of the liquid rocket engine assemblies are needed,decomposition of the insulation ring 110 may be minimal.

To attach the nozzle 430 and the thrust chamber 440, the fasteners 420may be inserted through the holes 540 in the attachment ring 105 (seeFIG. 2 ), the holes 490 in the seal element 100 (see FIG. 1 ), and theholes 560 in the insulation ring 110 (if present) (see FIG. 3 ) andtightened to an appropriate torque. Since the seal element 100 is formedof a flexible material, tightening the fasteners 420 may seal any gapsbetween the nozzle 430 and the thrust chamber 440. In embodiments wherea YSZ material is used for the insulation ring 110, the YSZ material mayadditionally seal any gaps between the nozzle 430 and the thrust chamber440. The fasteners 420 may include, but are not limited to, screws orbolts. In one embodiment, the fasteners 420 are socket head cap screws.The fasteners 420 may be inserted into the attachment ring 105 from theaft side of the nozzle 430. A length of the fasteners 420 may beselected depending on the thickness of the joint structure 410, such asthe thickness of the attachment ring 105, insulation ring 110 (ifpresent), and seal element(s) 100. The diameter of the fasteners 420 maybe selected depending on the structural load of the liquid rocket engineassembly. The fasteners 420 may be formed of a metal or metal alloy thatis resistant to high temperatures, such as steel, an alloy of titaniumzirconium molybdenum (TZM), or an alloy of nickel, chromium, tungsten,and molybdenum (HAYNES® 230). The fasteners 420 may be circumferentiallysurrounded by the attachment ring 105, the seal element(s) 100, thesupport ring 460, and, optionally, by the insulation ring 110.

Once tightened in threaded bores 445 in the flange 450, the fasteners420 may be recessed relative to the aft surface 530 of the attachmentring 105. The degree of recessing may depend on the thickness of theattachment ring 105. In applications where the thickness of theattachment ring 105 is to be minimized, the fasteners 420 may be flushwith the aft surface 530 of the attachment ring 105 or recessed into theattachment ring 105 to a small degree. The fasteners 420 may be recessedto a larger degree when the attachment ring 105 is formed at a greaterthickness. By recessing the fasteners 420 relative to the aft surface530 of the attachment ring 105, an effective temperature to which thefasteners 420 are exposed is reduced.

The nozzle 430 may be substantially frustoconical shaped, with innersidewalls and outer sidewalls 570 defining the nozzle 430. At an endproximal to the thrust chamber 440, the outer sidewalls 570 of thenozzle 430 may include the protrusion 520 that engages with the ledge510 of the attachment ring 105. The nozzle 430 may be formed of aC—C(carbon-carbon) material and include an optional carbon fiberreinforcement. The material of the nozzle 430 may have a low CTE. By wayof example only, the carbon fiber reinforcement may include, but is notlimited to, a rayon, stretch broken polyacrylonitrile (PAN), or stretchbroken blended yarns of PAN and oxidized PAN fibers. The carbon fiberreinforcement may be two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D). Thenozzle 430 may be formed by conventional techniques, which are notdescribed in detail herein. For instance, the C—C material may betape-wrapped around a mandrel, and cured to form a carbon-cloth phenolic(CCP) preform. The preform may be machined to produce the nozzle 430having a desired shape. After machining, the nozzle 430 may bepost-cured (e.g., heat-treated) to reduce the amount of cure byproductsand to provide porosity for the release of decomposition products. Thenozzle 430 may be further heat treated and densified to its desireddensity. The nozzle 430 may then be machined to its final shape. In oneembodiment, the nozzle may be formed from a carbon filled, phenolicresin matrix on a PAN precursor carbon fabric, such as that availablefrom Barrday Composite Solutions (Millbury, Mass.) as LR1406. The nozzle430 may be further processed to its desired shape. As explained in moredetail below, the nozzle 430 may include an optional oxidation coatingto protect the nozzle 430 from the high temperature and pressureenvironment of the liquid rocket engine assembly.

By appropriately selecting the materials and configurations of the jointstructure 410, the nozzle 430 may not need a separate, active coolingsystem. The nozzle 430 may, therefore, lack a separate cooling systemwhile a cooling system may be present on the thrust chamber 440. Heatgenerated during use and operation of the liquid rocket engine assemblymay be absorbed by the cooling system on the thrust chamber 440 and bycomponents of the joint structure 410. Additionally, cooling of thenozzle 430 may occur by contact (e.g., conduction) between the nozzle430 and the thrust chamber 440. Since no cooling system is present onthe nozzle 430, the complexity and cost of the liquid rocket engineassembly is reduced.

The material of the thrust chamber 440 may be selected to withstand hightemperatures and pressures produced during use and operation of theliquid rocket engine assembly and may have a high CTE. The thrustchamber 440 may be formed of a metal or a metal alloy, such as copper, acopper alloy, steel, a steel alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, aluminum, oran aluminum alloy. In one embodiment, the thrust chamber 440 is formedof a steel alloy resistant to high temperatures. The thrust chamber 440of the liquid rocket engine assembly may be configured for use with anyliquid fuel and liquid oxidizer including, but not limited to, liquidoxygen, liquid propane, liquid methane, liquid hydrogen, liquid ammonia,liquid kerosene, refined propellant-1 (RP-1), nitrous oxide, hydrogenperoxide, or combinations thereof. The thrust chamber 440 may includethe flange 450, such as a metal flange, for attachment to the nozzle430. The flange 450 may be formed from conventional materials and have aconventional configuration and, therefore, is not discussed in detailherein. The liquid rocket engine assembly may include a cooling system(not shown), such as a regenerative cooling system, for the thrustchamber 440. Such cooling systems are known in the art and, therefore,are not described in detail herein.

By appropriately selecting the materials and configurations of the jointstructure 410, the nozzle 430 and thrust chamber 440 of the liquidrocket engine assembly may be securely attached to one another. Even ifmaterials start to degrade during use and operation of the liquid rocketengine assembly, force may remain on other components of the liquidrocket engine assembly due to the angled surfaces 550 of the insulationring 110. By using materials having different CTEs, the force and theangled surfaces 550 may maintain the seal between the nozzle 430 and thethrust chamber 440 even as the materials of the other components expand.The angled surfaces 550 of the insulation ring 110 enable the jointstructure 410 to tighten, thus maintaining the seal between the nozzle430 and thrust chamber 440.

Conductivities and CTEs of materials used in the components of theliquid rocket engine assembly are listed below in Tables 1-8. For theconductivities, the k_major is with ply and the k_minor is across ply:

TABLE 1 Conductivities of SiC infiltrated Carbon-Carbon SiC InfiltratedCarbon-Carbon (Orthotropic) Temperature, k_major k_minor (° F.)(BTU/F-sec-in) (BTU/F-sec-in) 7.03E+01 7.00E−04 3.06E−04 5.00E+027.17E−04 2.78E−04 1.00E+03 6.67E−04 2.46E−04 2.00E+03 4.92E−04 2.54E−043.00E+03 3.46E−04 2.42E−04 4.00E+03 3.25E−04 2.43E−04 5.00E+03 3.50E−042.64E−04 6.00E+03 4.17E−04 3.33E−04

TABLE 2 CTEs of SiC infiltrated Carbon-Carbon SiC InfiltratedCarbon-Carbon (Orthotropic) Coefficient of Thermal Expansion TemperatureCTE Inplane CTE Across (° F.) (in/in/° F.) Ply (in/in/° F.) 70 −2.4E−072.4E−06 2000   6.0E−07 3.4E−06 3000   8.5E−07 3.7E−06 3500   9.6E−073.8E−06

TABLE 3 Conductivities of Yttria-stabilized Zirconia Yttria StabilizedZirconia (Isotropic) Temperature, ° F. k (BTU/F-sec-in) 7.50E+011.42E−05 2.00E+02 1.47E−05 6.00E+02 1.44E−05 1.00E+03 1.31E−05 1.40E+031.35E−05 2.00E+03 1.50E−05 2.50E+03 1.64E−05 4.00E+03 2.12E−05

TABLE 4 CTEs of Yttria-stabilized Zirconia Yttria Stabilized Zirconia(Isotropic) Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Temperature (° F.) CTE(in/in/° F.) 75 5.2E−06 200 5.4E−06 400 5.4E−06 600 5.4E−06 800 5.4E−061000 5.4E-06 1200 5.4E-06 1400 5.6E-06 1600 5.6E-06 1800 5.8E-06 20005.8E-06 2500 6.8E-06 3000 7.2E-06 3500 7.5E-06 4000 7.9E-06

TABLE 5 Conductivities of Silica Cloth Phenolic Silica Cloth Phenolic(Orthotropic) Temperature, k_major k_minor ° F. (BTU/F-sec-in)(BTU/F-sec-in) 7.03E+01 7.98E−06 4.66E−06 7.63E+01 8.01E−06 4.68E−063.40E+02 9.42E−06 5.58E−06 5.40E+02 1.04E−05 6.12E−06 1.04E+03 1.28E−057.72E−06 4.54E+03 1.28E−05 7.72E−06

TABLE 6 Conductivities of Carbon Cloth Phenolic Carbon Cloth Phenolic(Orthotropic) Temperature, k_major k_minor ° F. (BTU/F-sec-in)(BTU/F-sec-in) 7.63E+01 1.53E−05 1.17E−05 1.00E+02 1.53E−05 1.17E−054.00E+02 1.92E−05 1.39E−05 5.00E+02 1.99E−05 1.39E−05 6.00E+02 2.04E−051.41E−05 8.00E+02 2.12E−05 1.41E−05 1.00E+03 2.18E−05 1.41E−05 1.50E+032.22E−05 1.41E−05 5.84E+03 2.22E−05 1.41E−05

TABLE 7 Conductivities of GRAFOIL ® flexible graphite GRAFOIL ®(Orthotropic) Temperature, k_major k_minor ° F. (BTU/F-sec-in)(BTU/F-sec-in) 7.00E+01 1.85E−03 6.94E−05

TABLE 8 CTEs of GRAFOIL ® flexible graphite GRAFOIL ® (Orthotropic)Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Temperature CTE Along Length/Width CTEThrough Thickness (° F.) (in/in/° F.) (in/in/° F.) −65 −4.0E−07 1.5E−0570 −2.0E−07 1.5E−05 2000 −2.0E−07 1.5E−05 4000   5.0E−07 1.5E−05

In addition, by appropriately selecting the configuration of the jointstructure 410, a contact point between the flange 450 and the attachmentring 105 may be achieved so that bending stresses are minimized duringuse and operation of the liquid rocket engine assembly. Thus, the liquidrocket engine assembly may be used in the high temperature and highpressure conditions without cracking at the contact point.

An embodiment of a joint structure 410 is shown in FIG. 4 , in which aninsulation ring 110 circumferentially surrounds an upper portion of thenozzle 430 and attachment rings 105, 105′ circumferentially surround theinsulation ring 110. The insulation ring 110 is formed from a YSZmaterial and configured in a so-called “clam shell” shape, and theattachment rings 105, 105′ are formed from steel. The fasteners 420 areinserted in holes 540 of the attachment rings 105, 105′ (see FIG. 2 )and tightened in threaded bores 445 in the flange 450 to attach thenozzle 430 to the thrust chamber 440. The insulation ring 110 ismaintained in place by pressure on the attachment rings 105, 105′ thatis exerted by tightening the fasteners 420.

Another embodiment of a joint structure 410 is shown in FIG. 5 andincludes two seal elements 100, 100′, an insulation ring 110 disposedbetween the seal elements 100, 100′, and an attachment ring 105 adjacentto the insulation ring 110. The seal elements 100, 100′ are formed ofGRAFOIL® flexible graphite, the insulation ring 110 is formed of acarbon phenolic material, and the attachment ring 105 is formed of acarbon phenolic material. The outer diameters of the seal elements 100,100′, the insulation ring 110, and the attachment ring 105 aresubstantially the same while the inner diameters of the seal elements100, 100′ are greater than the inner diameter of the insulation ring110. The inner diameters of the seal elements 100, 100′ aresubstantially the same as the inner diameter of the attachment ring 105.Thus, the insulation ring 110 contacts an outer sidewall 570 of thenozzle 430 while the seal elements 100, 100′ do not contact the outersidewall 570 of the nozzle 430. An forward surface 580 of the attachmentring 105 contacts a second surface 480 of the seal element 100′, andside surfaces 590 of the attachment ring 105 contact the protrusion 520and outer sidewall 570 of the nozzle 430. One of the seal elements 100′is in direct contact with a forward surface 600 of the protrusion 520, aforward surface 580 of the attachment ring 105, and an aft surface 610of the insulation ring 110, while the other seal element 100 is indirect contact with the insulation ring 110 and the flange 450. Theinsulation ring 110 is in direct contact with and sandwiched between theseal elements 100, 100′. Fasteners (not shown) are inserted throughholes (not shown) in the seal elements 100, 100′, the insulation ring110, the attachment ring 105, and into threaded bores 445 in the flange450 on the thrust chamber 440 to attach the nozzle 430 and the thrustchamber 440.

Another embodiment of a joint structure 410 is shown in FIG. 6 andincludes the seal element 100 and the attachment ring 105circumferentially surrounding a portion of the fasteners 420. The outerdiameters of the seal element 100 and attachment ring 105 aresubstantially the same while the inner diameter of the seal element 100is less than the inner diameter of the attachment ring 105. Thus, theattachment ring 105 is in contact with the outer sidewall 570 of thenozzle 430 including the protrusion 520, while the seal element 100 doesnot contact the outer sidewall 570 of the nozzle 430. The forwardsurface 580 of the attachment ring 105 contacts second surface 480 ofthe seal element 100, and side surfaces 590 of the attachment ring 105,including the ledge 510, contact the protrusion 520 and the nozzle 430.The seal element 100 is in direct contact with the forward surface 600of the protrusion 520 and with the flange 450. The fasteners 420 areinserted through holes 490 in the seal element 100 (see FIG. 1 ) andholes 540 in the attachment ring 105 (see FIG. 2 ), respectively, andinto threaded bores 445 in the flange 450 on the thrust chamber 440 toattach the nozzle 430 to the thrust chamber 440. The side surface 590 ofthe attachment ring 105 proximal to the nozzle 430 extends further downthe nozzle 430 than an outer surface of the attachment ring 105. Byhaving a longer portion of the attachment ring 105 proximal to thenozzle 430, the attachment ring 105 may provide additional insulation tothe fasteners 420. The fasteners 420 may be flush with the aft surface530 of the attachment ring 105 or may be recessed relative to the aftsurface 530 of the attachment ring 105. The attachment ring 105 isformed from a carbon phenolic material and the seal element is formedfrom GRAFOIL® flexible graphite.

Another embodiment of the joint structure 410 is shown in FIG. 7 andincludes the seal element 100, the insulation ring 110, and theattachment ring 105. The seal element 100 and the attachment ring 105circumferentially surround the fasteners 420. The insulation ring 110 isdisposed laterally between the protrusion 520 of the nozzle 430 and theattachment ring 105. The outer diameters of the seal element 100 andattachment ring 105 are substantially the same while the inner diameterof the seal element 100 is less than the inner diameter of theattachment ring 105. Neither the seal element 100 nor the attachmentring 105 contacts the outer sidewall 570 of the nozzle 430. The forwardsurface 580 of the attachment ring 105 contacts the second surface 480of the seal element 100, and side surfaces 590 of the attachment ring105 contact the insulation ring 110, which is in direct contact with theprotrusion 520 of the nozzle 430. The seal element 100 is in directcontact with the forward surface 600 of the protrusion 520, a forwardsurface 620 of the insulation ring 110, and the forward surface 580 ofthe attachment ring 105 and with the flange 450. The fasteners 420 areinserted through holes 490 in the seal element 100 (see FIG. 1 ), holes540 in the attachment ring 105 (see FIG. 2 ), and into threaded bores445 in the flange 450 on the thrust chamber 440 to attach the nozzle 430to the thrust chamber 440. The insulation ring 110 may be maintained inposition between the attachment ring 105 and nozzle 430 by forcesexerted by the fasteners 420. The fasteners 420 may be recessed in theattachment ring 105 relative to the aft surface of the attachment ring105. The attachment ring 105 is formed from a carbon-carbon material,the insulation ring 110 is formed from a YSZ material, and the sealelement 100 is formed from GRAFOIL® flexible graphite. Since no metalcomponents extend toward the nozzle 430 or thrust chamber 440, burntimes of the liquid rocket engine assembly may be up to about 90seconds.

Another embodiment of a joint structure 410 is shown in FIG. 8 andincludes the seal element 100 and the attachment ring 105circumferentially surrounding the fasteners 420. The outer diameters ofthe seal element 100 and attachment ring 105 are substantially the samewhile the inner diameter of the seal element 100 is less than the innerdiameter of the attachment ring 105. Thus, the ledge 510 of theattachment ring 105 contacts the outer sidewall 570 of the nozzle 430including outer surface 630 of the protrusion 520, while the sealelement 100 does not contact the outer sidewall 570 of the nozzle 430proximal to the forward surface 600 of the protrusion. The forwardsurface 580 of the attachment ring 105 contacts the second surface 480of the seal element 100, and side surfaces 590 of the attachment ring105, including the ledge 510, contact the outer surface 630 of theprotrusion 520 and the nozzle 430. The seal element 100 is in directcontact with the forward surface 600 of the protrusion 520 and with theflange 450. The fasteners 420 are inserted through holes 490 in the sealelement 100 (see FIG. 1 ) and holes 540 of the attachment ring 105 (seeFIG. 2 ) and into threaded bores 445 in the flange 450 on the thrustchamber 440 to attach the nozzle 430 to the thrust chamber 440. Thefasteners 420 may be recessed relative to the aft surface 530 of theattachment ring 105. By recessing the fasteners 420, the thickness ofthe attachment ring 105 may be minimized while still thermallyinsulating the fasteners 420. The attachment ring 105 is formed from asilica phenolic material and the seal element 100 is formed fromGRAFOIL® flexible graphite.

Another embodiment of a joint structure 410 is shown in FIG. 9 andincludes the seal element 100 and attachment ring 105 circumferentiallysurrounding the fasteners 420. The joint structure 410 is substantiallyas described above for FIG. 8 . However, the attachment ring 105 extendsfurther down the outer sidewall 570 of the nozzle 430 in an aftdirection, enabling the fasteners 420 to be further recessed into theattachment ring 105 relative to the joint structure 410 in FIG. 8 .Thus, the fasteners 420 may be additionally thermally insulated. Burntimes of the liquid rocket engine assembly including the joint structure410 may be up to about up to about 240 seconds. The attachment ring 105is formed from a silica phenolic material and the seal element 100 isformed from GRAFOIL® flexible graphite.

Another embodiment of a joint structure 410 is shown in FIG. 10 andincludes seal elements 100, 100′, and the insulation ring 110 and theattachment ring 105 circumferentially surrounding the fasteners 420. Theinsulation ring 110 is sandwiched between a portion of the two sealelements 100, 100′ and is disposed axial to the nozzle 430 and forwardof the attachment ring 105. The joint structure 410 further includes thesupport ring 460 that is laterally adjacent to the insulation ring 110and sandwiched between the two seal elements 100, 100′. The insulationring 110 further shields the support ring 460 from heat during use andoperation of the liquid rocket engine assembly. The outer diameters ofthe seal elements 100, 100′, the support ring 460, and the attachmentring 105 are substantially the same while the inner diameters of theseal elements 100, 100′ are less than the inner diameter of theattachment ring 105. The inner diameter of the support ring 460 isgreater than the inner diameter of the attachment ring 105 and of theseal elements 100, 100′. The attachment ring 105 contacts the outersidewalls 570 of the nozzle 430 including the protrusion 520, while theseal elements 100, 100′ do not contact the outer sidewall 570 of thenozzle 430. The forward surface 580 of the attachment ring 105 directlycontacts the second surface 480 of one of the seal elements 100′, whichis also in direct contact with an aft surface 640 of the support ring460 and the aft surface 610 of the insulation ring 110. The other sealelement 100 is in direct contact with the forward surface 620 of theinsulation ring 110 and forward surface 660 of the support ring 460 andwith the flange 450. The fasteners 420 are inserted through holes 490 inthe seal elements 100, 100′ (see FIG. 1 ), holes 540 in the attachmentring 105 (see FIG. 2 ), holes (not shown) in the support ring 460, andinto threaded bores 445 in the flange 450 on the thrust chamber 440 toattach the nozzle 430 to the thrust chamber 440. The insulation ring 110may be maintained in position between the attachment ring 105, supportring 460, and nozzle 430 by forces exerted by the fasteners 420. Thefasteners 420 may be recessed into the attachment ring 105 relative tothe aft surface 610 of the attachment ring 105. The attachment ring 105is formed from a carbon-carbon material, the insulation ring 110 isformed from a YSZ material, the seal elements 100, 100′ are formed fromGRAFOIL® flexible graphite, and the support ring 460 is formed from acarbon phenolic material. Burn times of the liquid rocket engineassembly including the joint structure 410 may be up to about up toabout 600 seconds.

To provide protection from oxidation during use and operation of theliquid rocket engine assembly, an inner surface 435 of the nozzle 430may, optionally, include an oxidation coating. The oxidation coating mayinclude, but is not limited to, silicon carbide, silicon-silicon carbide(Si+SiC), tantalum carbide, titanium carbide, hafnium carbide, zirconiumsilicate, zirconium boride, hafnium diboride, a tungsten alloy, an alloyof tungsten and rhenium, or combinations thereof. The oxidation coatingmay optionally include additives, such as additives resistant toultra-high temperatures including, but not limited to, molybdenumdisilicide (MoSi₂) or hafnium oxide (HfO₂). In one embodiment, theoxidation coating is a Si+SiC coating, with the Si and SiC present inapproximately equal amounts. In another embodiment, the oxidationcoating is a SiC coating. In one embodiment, the oxidation coating is aSiC coating with hafnium oxide, hafnium diboride, zirconium boride, orcombinations thereof.

The oxidation coating may be applied to the inner surface 435 of thenozzle 430 (FIG. 5 ) by air plasma spray techniques, vacuum plasma spraytechniques, polymer impregnation and pyrolysis techniques, whichtechniques are known in the art and not described in detail herein. Inone embodiment, the oxidation coating is applied by air plasma spray. Inanother embodiment, the oxidation coating is applied by polymerimpregnation and pyrolysis. In yet another embodiment, the oxidationcoating is applied by vacuum plasma spray.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and have been described in detail herein.However, the disclosure is not limited to the particular formsdisclosed. Rather, the disclosure is to cover all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosureas defined by the following appended claims and their legal equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A joint structure for attaching a thrust chamberand a nozzle of a rocket engine assembly, the joint structurecomprising: two seal elements configured to be interposed between thethrust chamber and the nozzle; an insulation ring configured to bedisposed between the two seal elements, the insulation ring comprisingan angled surface configured to partially maintain a seal between thethrust chamber and the nozzle; an attachment ring configured to bedisposed circumferentially around the thrust chamber and adjacent to anaft of the insulation ring; and fasteners configured to extend throughthe attachment ring and both seal elements of the two seal elements andto secure the joint structure to the thrust chamber and to the nozzle.2. The joint structure of claim 1, wherein at least one seal element ofthe two seal elements or the attachment ring comprises an annular shape.3. The joint structure of claim 1, wherein at least one seal element ofthe two seal elements comprises a flexible material.
 4. The jointstructure of claim 1, wherein the attachment ring is separate anddiscrete from the nozzle, and wherein a flange element forms an integralpart of the thrust chamber.
 5. The joint structure of claim 1, furthercomprising a support ring laterally adjacent to the insulation ring anddisposed at least partially between the two seal elements.
 6. The jointstructure of claim 1, further comprising a flange element of the thrustchamber, wherein the fasteners are configured to extend through theattachment ring, through both seal elements of the two seal elements,and into the flange element of the thrust chamber.
 7. The jointstructure of claim 6, wherein the attachment ring and the flange elementare at least partially aligned in a direction at least substantiallyparallel to a longitudinal axis of the rocket engine assembly.
 8. Thejoint structure of claim 1, wherein the fasteners, when extendingthrough the attachment ring and both seal elements of the two sealelements, extend in a direction at least substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis of the rocket engine assembly.
 9. A method of forminga liquid rocket engine assembly, the method comprising: placing a jointstructure comprising two substantially flat seal elements includingholes around an outer circumference thereof, an insulation ring, and anattachment ring at least partially between a nozzle and a thrustchamber, comprising: interposing the two seal elements at leastpartially between the thrust chamber and the nozzle; disposing theinsulation ring between the two seal elements; and disposing theattachment ring circumferentially around the thrust chamber and adjacentto an aft of the insulation ring; and inserting fasteners through theholes in the attachment ring and both seal elements of the two sealelements.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising positioning asupport ring laterally adjacent to the insulation ring and at leastpartially between the two seal elements.
 11. The method of claim 9,wherein inserting fasteners comprises inserting the fasteners completelythrough the attachment ring and both seal elements of the two sealelements and at least partially into a flange of the thrust chamber. 12.The method of claim 9, wherein inserting fasteners comprises insertingthe fasteners to extend in a direction at least substantially parallelto a longitudinal axis of the liquid rocket engine assembly.
 13. Aliquid rocket engine assembly, comprising: a thrust chamber; a nozzle;and a joint structure disposed at least partially between the thrustchamber and the nozzle, the joint structure attaching the thrust chamberand the nozzle, the joint structure comprising: an attachment ringdisposed circumferentially around the thrust chamber; a flange elementof the thrust chamber; two substantially flat seal elements, includingholes around an outer circumference thereof, interposed at leastpartially between the thrust chamber and the nozzle and at leastpartially between the thrust chamber and the attachment ring; aninsulation ring disposed between the two seal elements; and fastenersextending through the attachment ring and the holes of the two sealelements and securing the joint structure to the thrust chamber and tothe nozzle.
 14. The liquid rocket engine assembly of claim 13, furthercomprising a support ring laterally adjacent to the insulation ring anddisposed at least partially between the two seal elements.
 15. Theliquid rocket engine assembly of claim 13, wherein the attachment ringis separate and discrete from the nozzle, and wherein the flange elementforms an integral part of the thrust chamber.
 16. The liquid rocketengine assembly of claim 13, wherein the attachment ring and the flangeelement are at least partially aligned in a direction at leastsubstantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the liquid rocketengine assembly.
 17. The liquid rocket engine assembly of claim 13,wherein the fasteners extend in a direction at least substantiallyparallel to a longitudinal axis of the liquid rocket engine assembly.